Results of Ankle & Hindfoot Fusion using Retrograde Tibiotalocalcaneal Nail: A Prospective Study of 24 Cases

Objective: To evaluate clinically and functionally the post-operative results of patients treated with tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis for the treatment of posttraumatic, inflammatory arthropathy and neuropathy of ankle and subtalar joint. Methods: Prospective study of 24 cases undergoing ankle & subtalar arthrodesis with intramedullary retrograde TTC nail. All patients were evaluated for time to fusion, AOFAS and VAS scores, satisfaction, and complications of surgery. The mean follow-up was 12 months (range 9?24 months). Results: The union rate was 87%, and the fusion occurred at mean 17 weeks (10?24 weeks). The post-operative AOFAS score improved in 82.45 and VAS score was 2.9 and 90% of patients were satisfied with the procedure performed. Complications occurred in 15 patients, including infection (8.3%), implant failure (8.3%) and nonunion (16.6%). Conclusion: Ankle & subtalar arthrodesis with retrograde intramedullary TTC nail proved to be a good option for saving the ankle joint, with improvement of clinical and functional scores.